Things We Said
…that i wasn't meant to hear
Clover's knuckles stopped a hairsbreadth away from the door as Qrow's voice filtered through the thick mahogany. "James-"
"You seem to be doing alright, Qrow. I wanted to let you know that I'm proud of you." James' voice was nothing if not sincere, his earnestness filtering through the door.
Clover frowned, weighing his options. Should he step in? He certainly would need to tell the general that his office was not as soundproof as previously believed- perhaps there was a crack in the door somewhere, something tiny that no one had noticed.
"What're you talkin' about?" Qrow said defensively, catching Clover's attention again.
Footsteps. "You're not drinking anymore. Ruby told me you'd gone clean. Even Winter has noticed the difference in your behaviour. As your friend, I wanted to make sure you understood just how amazing it is that you've done this. It's not an easy task, and I'm proud to call you my friend."
Shuffling back- hesitant, confused. "Um… are you okay? This doesn't seem like you, Jimmy."
"I mean it, Qrow. You've done a great job. You look healthier, too. Taiyang would be happy to see you doing well like this."
A pause, a sigh. A rueful chuckle. "Yeah. Thanks, James." The words were muffled- a hug?
"I guess I should thank Clover for that too, huh?" The words were teasing, light.
"Wha- what're you talking about-" Qrow scoffed.
Clover felt his ears burn like never before, heart racing in his chest as James laughed. "I know what happens in my own school, Qrow. It's fine! Honestly, I'm glad."
"For what?"
The amount of warmth in James' voice was almost a little unnerving; he was usually nothing more than the consummate professional, if overly empathetic, with Clover. "That he's found someone to cherish, and that you're finally letting someone cherish you."
"I don't know what you're talking about-"
"Okay, okay. I don't need details." A pause, a noise of disgust. "Actually, spare me details."
"Brothers, James, that's-" Indignant spluttering. "Don't you have a report or something to give?!"
"Fine." A small chuckle, footsteps receding farther away. A squeak of a chair. "Do let me know if you two want to move your belongings to his barracks, okay? It might honestly be more discrete than your barracks just being empty constantly. Anytime I send Penny to find you with a message, she never can."
"You've sent Penny after me?"
A snort. "Exactly."
"Gods, fine." An annoyed huff, then a softer sigh. "You… don't mind, though?"
"No. I want you to be happy, Qrow. We're friends, right?"
"…Yeah. Thanks."
"You look good together, you know."
"…Yeah. He's… yeah."
Clover stood at that door for a few more minutes before knocking, mind racing and heart pounding out of his chest. How could he possibly move? How could he break this one moment, this one scene- the sound of Qrow's clumsy laughter, so sweet he could picture the smile on his lips as he spoke about Clover?
And when he finally knocked on the door and entered, ready to give an update on Amity, and Qrow's face grew flushed at the sight of him, Clover knew what he had to do.